BJP MLC Vishwanath seeks probe into alleged irregularities in Mysuru Palace Board
Addressing a press conference in Mysuru on Tuesday, Mr. Vishwanath expressed concern over an officer of the Mysuru Palace Board challenging the Karnataka Information Commission's ruling that the Board fell under the ambit of RTI Act.
Despite media reports of large scale mismanagement, illegal activities, and financial misappropriation in the Palace Board, the government has remained silent, he alleged.
The BJP MLC said that he intends to raise the issue during the upcoming Dasara High Power Committee meeting scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on Thursday, June 26.
Recalling that the State government had enacted the Mysore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act of 1988 and took possession of key portions of the Palace while placing the temples in its premises under the management of the Muzrai Department, Mr. Vishwanath pointed out that the government had constituted an administrative board for the Mysuru Palace with the State Chief Secretary as the Chairman, and the Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru as the Executive Officer.
The Board has a total of 113 staff members including the Deputy Director, while officers from departments like police, CESC and public works are also deployed.
Even though the government had issued an order to appoint a senior Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer as the Administrative Officer, no such appointment has been made to the Palace Board so far, he said.
Even though priceless historical artefacts, weaponry, tools, ornaments, etc., acquired under the Act also came under government custody, the Mysuru Palace Board has been functioning as an 'autonomous or independent' institution instead of a government entity, Mr. Vishwanath said.
'If the Mysuru Palace Board is a government institution, why are its officials denying information sought by the public since the last 13 to 14 years?' he questioned, urging the government to immediately address the matter.
Calling for the appointment of a KAS officer without further delay, Mr. Vishwanath said that the Mysuru Palace administration should be removed from the control of a few individuals, ensuring direct action by the government.
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